Bearing Lubrication

Bearing Lubrication
Proper lubrication for rolling element bearings is critical for reliable bearing operation and prevention of
premature damage and a reduction in fatigue life. The proper bearing lubricant must provide a separating film
between the rolling elements, raceways, and cage to prevent metal-to-metal contact. The lubricant film must
be thick enough under operating conditions to prevent contact of rolling element and raceway asperities.
If the asperities of rolling elements and races of an anti-friction bearing come into contact with each other,
a certain amount of molecular adhesion or micro-welding or shearing of these asperities as a result of the
relative motion between them can be expected. The result is an undesirable surface change of the rolling
surfaces. Ideal lubrication requires that an oil film be continually present to prevent contact of the surface
asperities and metal to metal contact.
In addition to preventing metal-to-metal contact, proper bearing lubricants help perform the following
function:
• Reduce friction, heat generation, torque, and power consumption
• Provide a heat transfer medium
• Prevent corrosion
• Aid in providing proper sealing and preventing contamination
Bearing lubrication is broadly categorized as being either grease or oil lubrication. The decision to use grease or oil
and what type of lubricant system to use, are dependent on the bearing type and application operating conditions.

Bearing greasing methods and amounts

There are two methods of providing bearing grease lubrication. One is the closed lubrication, in which grease
is filed in advance into a shielded or sealed bearing; the other is the feeding method in which the bearing and
housing are greased at assembly with the proper amount and designed to allow re-greasing and replacement
at specified intervals. The dosed method using a pre-lubricated shielded or sealed bearing is well suited for
applications where cost and space limitations preclude the use of grease filled housing or where relubrication
is not possible or necessary. Conversely, the use of the feeding method has the advantage of allowing
the replacement on periodic intervals in those applications where operating conditions require grease
replacement.
For bearing applications utilizing the feeding method, there should be a grease fitting and a vent at opposite
ends of the housing near the top. Also, a drain plug should be located near the bottom of the housing to allow
purging of the old grease during relubrication. A bearing should be initially greased at assembly by packing
it in on both sides and making sure the grease is between the rolling elements and cage. Regreasing should
always occur while the bearing is in motion at the normal operating temperature.

Grease amount
The amount of grease needed to effectively lubricate a bearing is normally very small. In general, grease
fill should be one-third to one-half of the space around the bearing; however, this may vary according to the
housing design and application requirements. In applications with high speed and low torque requirements,
the bearings can be lubricated with very small quantities of greases. Similarly, in low speed applications
where the bearing may be exposed to dirt or moisture, the space around the bearing can be filled from two-
thirds to nearly full to prevent contamination. If an excessive amount of grease is used when not required,
additional heat will be generated from the churning, resulting in a softening and deterioration of the grease,
and a reduction in bearing life. The grease weight required for a bearing can be calculated in grams.
Grease quantity = 0.05 x D x B gms.

Regreasing intervals and grease life

With grease lubricated bearings, periodic relubrication is normally required to ensure efficient operation.
Over a period of time, most grease will eventually start to harden due to oxidation. The exception to this is in
presealed bearings where relubrication is usually not required.
When regreasing bearings, it is necessary to be sure that the grease fitting is clean prior to injecting the
grease. A hand operated grease gun should be used for relubrication, but the use of high pressure needs
to be avoided. High pressure may blow out seals. When using a grease gun, it should be calibrated for the
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 Bearing Lubrication

proper amount of grease, and confirmed that the grease in the gun is the same as what was initially applied
to the bearings.
The main considerations for determining a relubrication cycle are operating speed, bearing size, operating
temperature, and sealing efficiency. Seals are very critical with grease lubrication because of the importance
to keep the grease free from contamination. Contamination that reaches the grease is trapped and will cause
bearing damage and wear problems.
As the chart below shows leading grease available in the market with their specifications
Working 0.1mm Dropping
temperature Worked Point
Manufacturer Product BaseOil/thickener range Penetration Remark

˚C ˚C ˚C
Polyol ester+Diester/
Low noise Long life,
Multemp SRL Lithium hydroxy -50~150 250 190
High temperature
Stearate
Low torque,
Diester+Refined
Outstanding noise
Multemp PS mineral oil Lithium -60~130 NO.2 190
Suppressant
Stearate
property
Kyodo Yushi
High
Synthetic temperature,High
Multemp SB-M -40~200 220 >260
hydrocarban/Diurea speed operation, low
noise property
Polyol ester+Diester/
Low noise Long life,
Raremax Super N Lithium hydroxy -40~180 260 120
High temperature
Stearate
Wide applications
Alvania RLQ 2 Mineral oil / Lithium -25~120 266 195
available
Wide applications
Alvania RL2 Mineral oil/ Lithium -30~120 310 185
available

Shell Not good for

Alvania RL3 Mineral oil/ Lithium -30~120 220 185
transmission
Long service life
under heavy load
Alvania EP 2 Mineral oil/ Lithium -20~110 265 185
water, resistance,
Corrosian resistance
PAO, Ester oil/ Low noise Long life,
Asonic GL Y 32 -50~140 265~295 >190
Lithium High temperature
PAO,Ester oil / Low noise, Long life,
Asonic Q 74-73 -40~160 220~250 >250
Polyrea High temperature
Low noise, Long life,
Klueberquiet BQH72-102 Ester oil / Polyurea -40~180 250~280 >250
High temperature
High temperature,
Kluber Klueberquiet BEP72-82 Ester oil / Polyurea -40~180 250~280 >250 Available for auto
generator bearings
High temperature,
Mineral oil, PAO/
Petamo GHY 133 N -30~160 265~295 >250 Available for auto
Polyrea
generator bearings
Avaiable for pump
Ester oil, Mineral
Lsoflex LDS 18 Special A -50~120 265~295 >190 bearings, Motor and
oil / Li
its accessory
High Speed, Low
Beacon 325 Diester / Lithium -54~120 280 193 noise Corrosian
resistance
Exxon Mobil Polyrex EM Mineral / Diurea -29~177 318 288 Low temperature
Water resistance,
Mobilgrease 28 Diester/ Microgel -62~177 310 >260
High temperature
Water resistance,
Chevron SRI-2 ISOSYN/ Polyurea -30~150 280 243 Corrosian resistance
High temperature
Dupont Krytox 240 Fluoinated / PTFE -34~288 285 High temperature

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